FR
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An amazing safari!
From the quote the communication was excellent with Serengeti Smile. The service was very good. The schedule of the safari was respected. The hotels and tented camps were comfortable. Thanks to our efficient guide, Aminiel, we could see all the animals we wanted to see. .. and more! Serengeti Smile is good value for money. We are glad to have selected them. We highly recommend Serengeti Smile for your safari!
US
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Super responsive and friendly but too small to have a strong structure
Things we loved - First of all, the process to book was easy and not too complicated. Our driver, Charles, was super friendly and was not weird at all. The lodge they booked for us was amazing as well and the game drives were smooth in the car. We loved our own private experience as it was me, my wife, and one of our friend.
Things we did not approve of - Although we had a lot of fun and going with Viega was relatively cheaper than others, we did not get everything we paid for. There were 3 game drives as part of our 4-day package and we only got 2. We got there 2 hours late than what was estimated when Rogers talked to us before our trip, but it was not on us since we left at exactly 7am as per schedule. I did bring this up IN DETAIL with Rogers and the driver, but we weren't really given anything back other than an apology and a free trip to the giraffe feeding center (which is not even 15% cost of a one day of game drive).
We also spent almost 4 hours trying to find a Rhino day 2 (which we were told AFTER that there are only 2). Annnd ended up wasting another 2 hours trying to fix the bumper at the rangers station...but we brushed that off
Feedback for Viega - Rogers did spend almost a day with us when we got back to apologize and listen, but some sort of money back is what anyone would prefer. Because as per the package and Rogers, it was almost $200 per day for a park entrance fee ($600 total for us that we feel like was not compensated). Apparently this was brought up to their Boss, Jared, but looks like he didn't care to take accountability either.
Some direct feedback below:
- Yes they are small from an operational perspective, but they need to have open line of communication between their drivers.
- Rogers is efficient but needs to understand time difference of where his clients are based, because he was and still calls me after midnight or when I am at work
- If something happens where money is involved and a client is not happy, the Director needs to jump in and take responsibility
If you have made this far, I could have given less than 3 starts here but I don't want to hurt a small business. Hopefully this detailed feedback helps them become better.
FR
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
A dream come true
The organisation of the safari was perfect. The communication with Serenti Smile staff was easy and efficient. The safari schedule was respected. Our guide Aminiel was very kind and professional. Thanks to him, we could see all the animals that we wanted to see . We saw more animals than we expected.
Serengeti Smile was good value for money. We highly recommend them.
SG
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Tshepo is organised, fluent and informative in his capacity as guide and driver
A well put-together package. Covered what was similarly felt as essential. Meal at a mainstream dining place was good too.
BE
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Kilimanjaro Trekking
This trek was one of the toughest challenges I have ever undertaken, and having the support of Zara Tanzania made all the difference. I highly recommend working with Zara Tanzania Adventures on Kilimanjaro because I witnessed the expertise and resources they have built over the years. The crew, led by our tour guide Lema, was knowledgeable, attentive, and brilliant. We learned so much about Kilimanjaro and shared many special moments on the trail. The food was incredibly nice and plentiful. We all made it to the summit and owe it all to the team from Zara
IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Not well organized, the program was not well described, we faced lot of extras.
The tour itself was beautiful; we really enjoyed the safari in the Masai Mara, but less so the Nakuru and Naivasha areas. The most disappointing thing for us was finishing the day's program at 3 PM without being able to do anything until the next day. The accommodations and lunches were mediocre for what we paid.
Despite this, John Mwangi, our guide, was very helpful and kind to all our requests.
IT
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Don't book with them
GREAT guide/driver, but TERRIBLE office organisation. I strongly recommend you don't book with them.
I work in the Tourist Industry and I'm very expert and objective: Never trust Big Apes and Peter for your trip to Uganda.
Our tour guide, Sam Waako, was wonderful - knowledgeable, communicative and funny. The safari itself was great.
However, the office organisation was terrible, not up to par.... Peter (the manager) was absolutely silent. No call, no email, no communication whatsoever if not through the guide but I believe a manager who considers himself as such should pick up the phone and talk to the customer who is complaining of a problem.
My advice would be - book with a different company. It's all fine if everything goes well, but if there's a problem then They won't solve it.
NZ
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Dynamic company who went out of their way to accommodate us
We made a lot of changes to our itinerary before our journey: the owner of this company was incredibly patient with us and met our changing needs admirably.
On the ground we could not have asked for more. We had three different guides: they were all very personable and knowledgeable. Their ability to spot distant animals whilst driving astounded (it’d take us ages to see them). There was a great mix of accommodation types.
We were very happy with our choice of company. There’re many to choose from, but you can be assured Wild Cruises is a winner.
US
Responsive!
We had a fantastic trip. Our guide, Hussian, found all the animals - we even saw a rhino! - he has an eagle eye. His knowledge about the animals was outstanding and we asked a lot of questions!! And he took great care of us, going out of his way to be helpful. The tour company was responsive to all our needs making
Planning the trip easy.
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The most caring company!
Porcupine Expeditions were the best company we could have chosen for our safari experience. It was very much a family feel, with Anna and Juliana giving us the most attention and care to ensure we were ok.
I can't recommend them enough, you will have the best time!